Whatcha Watchin’? 8/11/16

So the point of whatcha watchin’ will be to act as one part update, two parts accountability measure, an one part request. Essentially it’s a way for you to know what I am watching, but also a way for me to hold myself accountable and actually watch new things. If I know another post is coming, them maybe I will make sure to watch new things to keep myself from looking foolish (er, or, more foolish). It can also be a chance to get ideas from you guys on what I should look into next, with a few ‘Didja hear about’-s and ‘Oh if you liked that then you’ll like’-s to guide my future viewing.

I hope to do all of this without stepping on the toes of any content that the guys and I would be putting on the podcast, so the focus will definitely be on longer running shows here rather than shorter viewings.

First off, what am I watching?

Kyousougiga

Currently my big show is Kyousougiga. This little ten episode series from 2013 went completely under my radar (and I suspect the same is true for a lot of folks). But after a recommendation from a good buddy I have been giving it a whirl. I really enjoy shorter series such as this because even when life is busy I feel like I can still make substantial progress every week towards finishing it. Overall I’m feeling good about it and look forward to completing it.

Progress: 7 episodes

Remaining: 3 episodes

Feelings: Positive

Thunderbolt Fantasy

The other major draw for me each week is Thunderbolt Fantasy. Puppet Wuxia is just something I cannot resist. This show really exemplifies what I love about tokusatsu, in that practical effects can make all the difference. The fact that these are real, physical objects moving around gives them a sort of heft we do not normally see in fully drawn or rendered images. There are a few odd things – any time feet are moving it just doesn’t look right, and every person/place/thing has a long name that is difficult to make out in dialogue. Overall though this continues to be a super exciting entry in my weekly viewing. I think the breakneck pace of the narrative, elegant fight sequences, and gorgeously detailed hoteigeki dolls are all such great draws. I don’t see myself giving up on this any time soon.

Progress: 4 episodes

Remaining: Weekly/Unknown

Feelings: Very Positive

I’ve got a few other longer running shows on the back-burner right now, getting to them as time permits, but those two are my big foci at the moment. Rogues, what shows are you watching right now? What manga are you reading? Anything I should be checking out? Let me know below.

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5 thoughts on “Whatcha Watchin’? 8/11/16”

yay first time commenting on yours Grant !!! Two interesting shows your watching right now 🙂 I’m currently watching
Chuunibyou love and other delusions, Days (soccer) and about to start Amanchu as I love any story involving water XD
Manga, I am reading fruits basket and can’t lose you ( I’m shoujo trash) LOL

Oh man, I need to get on Thunderbolt Fantasy. The first few episodes were so solid that it instantly transitioned from “LOL WE’RE WATCHING A WUSHU PUPPET SHOW” to “Holy crap…this is a wushu puppet show (and it’s good)”.

I wonder if the East takes the concept more seriously. I know there are several other shows like this from China, but this is the first time this particular production company has worked in Japan. It’d be pretty amusing to find out that the Japanese have a similar transition from “LOL” to “Wait…Whoah!!!” like we did.